Fantastic Friday Update

This week we would like to highlight the importance of two campaigns.

"Human Rights Day" will be remembered on the 10th of December and this year's theme is "Freedom, Equality and Justice for All".

On Tuesday 12th of December, we will remember those who lost their lives at work whatever their job, whatever their level, whatever their industry, whatever their politics through the "National Workplace Day of Remembrance". 

Communities 1st is working hard to organise friendly Christmas calls and door-to-door visits for people who would otherwise be alone this festive season. Although this will be an exciting time for many of us - we are mindful that many people struggle with loneliness and isolation at this time of the year and want to help as best as we can.

If you are one of our volunteers and would like to help us with the calls or the door-to-door visits or you would like to receive them, please do get in touch!

Take care, stay warm and have a lovely weekend! 

Nicola Oneill

Wellbeing Services Manager

If you or someone you know is in at-risk group or is isolated, and needs help or support with shopping, prescription collection, pet sitting, urgent supplies or tech support, you can contact us.

Email: help@communities1st.org.uk.
Phone: 01727 649930.

Alternatively, if you would like to volunteer yourself to support this service, please contact us or visit our website for further information.

Introduction to Air Frying

Have an Air fryer or considering buying one? Looking to cook cheaper and healthier? Come along to our cooking with an Air Fryer 3 hour session. Learn to cook with one, add new recipes and learn about the cost savings. Cooking tips will be provided on this free course along with a chance to taste food cooked in the air fryer.

Any Hertfordshire resident aged 19 and over is welcome to attend this course. Participants are eligible for the draw to win an air fryer if they have obtained a D grade or below in their Maths GCSE (or equivalent), or are in receipt of any benefits.

- IN PERSON COURSE - Borehamwood
12th December 2023, 10am -1pm
Farriers Way Community Centre, Farriers Way
Borehamwood, WD6 2TB
Register here

Help over winter

Winter’s darker nights and plunging temperatures can be tough for people’s mental health and wellbeing. The impact of the rising cost of living is also causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, health, jobs and finances. 
Hertfordshire County Council has compiled a directory of organisations that are delivering services to support your mental health and wellbeing this winter. 
Among the organisations you can reach out to are Herts Mind Network, the Alzheimer’s Society, the Samaritans, Carers In Herts and the Domestic Abuse Helpline. 

More information

Flu and COVID-19 vaccination briefing pack

The UK Health Security Agency's recent release of the flu and COVID-19 vaccination briefing pack outlines the winter vaccination program, statistics, social media content, and additional resources to share within your networks. You can access the pack here.
 

More information

Energy advice in your local community.
With the months getting colder, why not come along at our creative café warm spaces? Here you can meet our Energy Agents who will be able to help you make informed decisions about your energy usage, conserving energy and safety.
Our creative café and warm spaces are available across Hertfordshire and every week from Monday to Friday in Hertsmere. Find out which one is closest to you below:

Mondays

• Windsor Hall Community Centre, Borehamwood
• from 10:30am to 12:30pm.

Tuesdays 

• Phillimore Community Centre, Radlett
• from 12pm to 4pm.

Wednesdays 

• Aberford Community Centre, Borehamwood from 1pm to 4pm.

Thursdays

• Farriers Way Community Centre, Borehamwood from 10am to 2pm.

Fridays

• Organ Hall Community Centre, Borehamwood from 10am to 12pm.
   

More information

New St Albans locations for Compassionate Community Cafés

Rennie Grove Peace Hospice Care is expanding its Compassionate Cafés in St Albans to support local community members who are struggling with loneliness and isolation after losing a loved one. The Community Engagement team has been organising Compassionate Cafés in various locations across Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire for the past 18 months.
 

The Compassionate Cafés will run in the following locations:

From December 2023

At Cross Street Café

St Saviours Church Hall (Sandpit Lane)

From January 2024

At Cottonmill Community & Cycling Centre

At Jersey Farm Community Centre
At Café on the Corner
 

More information.

Christmas Singalong - Wheathampstead Community Group

Each year a fabulous concert of carols and other music is held at the Memorial Hall. It is a friendly and informal event with a glass of mulled wine with the Abbey Gateway Orchestra providing the music.

Thursday 14th December, 7.30pm

Marford Memorial Hall 

More information

Reverse Advent Calendar

It is not too late to start the St Albans and District Foodbank reverse advent calendar! From 21st Nov to 15th  Dec you can put aside an item of food and drop it off at the Foodbank on the 15th of December.

More information

Cancel Out Cancer

Cancel Out Cancer helps everyone learn more about the value of NHS screening tests, gaining confidence in spotting potential symptoms and seeing your GP about them, and simple steps you can take to help reduce some of the risks that cause some cancers.

You can use the Eventbrite link to book onto:

• Monday, 15 January at 7-8pm
• Tuesday, 16 January at 11am-12noon
• Thursday 18 January at 2-3pm.

If you have difficulties accessing Eventbrite, just use hweicbenh.communications@nhs.net and you will be booked on. 

More information

Shape Up is back for 2024! 
Shape Up is a 12 week FREE weight loss course aimed at men aged 18 to 65 who have a BMI of 30+.
During the course, you can find out about simple lifestyle changes you can make to help lose weight in a safe, friendly and sustainable way.
If you, or anyone you know could benefit from this course register your place by email to secure your place.

Shape Up is run by the Watford FC Community Sports and Education Trust. 

More information

Help with your mental health and wellbeing over the winter months
This time of year can be difficult for lots of people. The impact of the rising cost of living is also causing emotional strain for many people who might be worrying about their families, health, jobs and finances. 

Hertfordshire County Council has developed a directory of services available in the community to make it easier for you to get the support you need.  
Among the organisations you can reach out to are; Herts Mind Network, the Alzheimer’s Society, Samaritans, Carers in Herts and the Domestic Abuse helpline.

More information

Mental Healthcare Support Worker - Nightlight Crisis House

• Hours: 5 out of 7 days on a 24/7 rota, inclusive of bank holidays)
• Salary: £22,277 – £23,750 per annum
• Location: Hemel Crisis House

More information

Keyworker - Children & Young Adults

• Hours: 37 hours per week
• Salary: £32,076 with the opportunity to progress to £34,834 pa (L9) or £35,745 with the opportunity to progress to £39,186 pa (L10) - depending on experience.
• Location: Hyrbrid working model with base locations at either Stevenage or Apsley.

More information

Behaviour Consultant

• Hours: Full  Time (part-time work could be offered), term-time only.
• Salary:: to be agreed. 
• Location: Schools across Herts

More information

Services Coordinator

• Hours: 30 hours per week
• Salary:£24,000pa or split proportionally according to shared hours (full time equivalent £30,000pa
• Location: Redbourn Village Hall

More information

Performance Coordinator

• Hours: 28pw 
• Salary: Circa £22,173 (£29,300 FTE)
• Location: Hoddesdon

More information

External Affairs Officer 

• Hours: 37pw 
• Salary:: Circa £37,000
• Location: Hoddesdon

More information

Volunteer Manager – East Herts

• Hours: 15 hours per week
• Salary: £24,496 per annum FTE (pro rata £9,930.81) or £.12.70 per hour
• Location: The role is home-based however a driving licence and access to a car is essential as you will be visiting families across East Herts Area A.

More information

Park Team Leader 

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
• Salary: Up to £32k, depending on experience
• Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information

Park Grounds Person

• Hours: 37 hours per week - Permanent full time.
• Salary: Up to £26k, depending on experience.
• Location: : Highfield Park Visitor Centre

More information